Cabin Fever.......

Yesterday and Today we have been couped up inside because of a layer of freezing rain, layer of sleet, then a layer of snow. Very small amounts of each accumulated but the streets are nasty. (its like a wintry mix lasagna out there)

There's just something about not being able to get out that makes me want to get out more. Why is that?!? I'm normally home all day anyways with only small outings to the craft store or the post office. But right now, I'd kill for some mexican food and the biggest margarita they have.

I have been able to get into the studio a bit and did a pretty intense yoga burn dvd with rodney yee this morning....so i'm feeling pretty good. But there IS something about January. Why does it always seem so darn long? I'm so ready for February. There's just something about pinks and reds and the promise of spring a' coming i guess that I just love about february. Love is in the air.

My goal for february is to post more often. Hopefully every other day. Lots of things are a' coming in the months to come. so very excited. Check back Feb. 2nd. - news to be told.:-)

Painting and cooking

Ok....so I've been hooked on the food network as of late. I simply cannot get enough food competitions and cooking shows. My very favorite food network chef is hands down Ina Garten. (the barefoot contessa) She made these yummy pears with bleu cheese, dried cranberries, and roasted walnuts. (btw...this is the foodnetworks photo.....her's was much prettier than mine). I had to give it a shot. Here is the recipe if you are interested in trying it yourself....oh my you won't be disappointed. Well, I printed out the recipe wednesday before heading to the grocery. I came back and made the easy roasted shrimp cocktail and decided i would make this later this week. Which I did today. I had to. I was dreaming of it all night. And it did not disappoint. So yummy and spicy and sweet all in one bite.

And that got me to thinking how I think my new interest in cooking (or at least trying to) is somewhat related to painting. The movie Julie and Julia enlightened me to the fact that inspiration can come from anywhere.....food, photos, experiences. the list could go on. In cooking as is in painting...... its the melding together of like or unlike substances (ingredients/mixed media) and working with many textures to create something new and yummy. I shall continue this new love affair with cooking and hope to be inspired in new ways. Next on the agenda is Emeril's Shrimp and Pasta in a tomato-chile cream sauce. Oh how I love shrimp.

IN the STUDIO

I've been focusing on these cute, little mini portraits. They are made using acrylic paint, (loving the golden heavy body paint), encaustic, paper, graphite, and shiva oil sticks.

I've also been working on things for a show next month. Its near my hometown in Newport, AR. This is only the 2nd year for the show. I was blown away at the support and love of the locals and the overrall experience I had there. Cannot wait!!

happy weekend my sweets :-)

Deep Freeze

The south has been in a deep freeze this week with lows in the teens at night. But heck, i much prefer this cold than our humid 90 degree weather anyday!! I wanted to make a short blog post to show you what i've been working on. As you may know I have been painting these cute kokeshi dolls usually in girl form but was in a definite birdie mode yesterday due to some collaboration work with Scrap Artist.

I also got some great news which will reveal itself in May!!! I can't wait to tell everyone.


.....in other randomness, i've been getting back into yoga of late due to recurring running injuries and did the "biggest loser, yoga for weight loss" yesterday.....and man am i sore today. but in a good way. I'm feeling muscles right now I have never felt. Right now i'm testing out which yoga dvds i like using netflix and will purchase the ones I like best.

Happy Weekend everyone. much love in 2010!!!

new schtuff!

Today I woke up to a renewed spirit of sorts. I've gotten out of the after christmas funk and am ready to dive right into 2010. I can't wait to see what this year holds. I've got new things in the works that you will see in the shop very soon. yes, that 2nd photo is a t-shirt. I've wanted to do them for some time but wanted to get them right and I wanted them to be fabulous quality and under 20 bucks.

In other fun happenings....my sailor's valentine has been published in jan/feb issue of cloth.paper.scissors.....I also found a fab artist, Sarah Wyman, in the same issue. check her out!such inspiring faces and texture.

I heart Anke!

yeah....i'm pretty smitten with Anke Weckmann right now. Every time I wear this little t-shirt, i get so many compliments :-) It makes me happy and I save it for only the best days ....such as this painting on arms party in Manzanita, OR. You should visit her flickr site too.

Ok this is squeal worthy....and take it from a former makeup artist this is big...BIG!!! .....illustrating for a very cool makeup line.....ok anke, can i please be YOU when I grow up?!?!?

Her work is such a delight. It makes my little heart smile.

Blog winner announced

Congrats MysticArtGirl...., you are the winner of the blog giveaway which includes a coaster set and pocket mirror of your choice from my etsy shop.

please let me know your address and choices for your prize.

thanks so everyone for participating. i was touched with finding out which disney character inspires you.

much love!!

dreams

I'm celebrating 1000 sales this week. I dreamed I would get there one day. I dreamed that I could make art for a living. I dreamed I could sell a piece of something I made. Its been over 2 years since first joining etsy. Yes, this is happening to me...I'm quiet sure that i'm asleep.

"All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."......Walt Disney

I think the key words here are "courage" and "pursue".....They are always active....they never fear.....they are consistent.....and unrelenting. Realizing your dreams is not something that just "happens" to you....but in a way I'm glad. That means we have control over our lives AND our dreams. Its refreshing to know and to never forget.

after all.

it all started with a mouse..........

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I guess you can tell, its that time of year again. We are headed to Disney world and I get so overwhelmingly inspired by the man that dared to dream. What we see today by far surpasses what I believe Walt had dreamt. He passed on his dream and it scattered into millions of minds and it flourishes in his cast members, his imagineers, his animators.....his admirers that grew up with watching him on tv. Walt Disney left a legacy.....of which a little part dwells in a special place in my heart.

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I'm doing a blog giveaway to celebrate a milestone for Tim's Sally. Leave a comment on this "dreams" blog post and let me know what your favorite Disney character is and why......and you'll be entered into a drawing for a free coaster set and pocket mirror of your choice from my shop. I will announce the winner on the 13th of Dec. so you have until then to leave your comment.